Acne

[Elliejo]

Hi, I've just finished my first 5 booster injections I have a B12 level of 193 now I have spots everywhere. Has anyone experienced this? I don't have to have another injection for 3 months really hoping they aren't here for good! Thank you

[Gambit62 Administrator]

Unfortunately acne is quite a common side-effect of starting B12 treatment. It generally goes away as levels get back to normal, though how long that takes is very variable and the normal regime may leave you with levels getting back to normal and then subsiding again so you may find that it's something that happens with maintenance shots but shouldn't be as bad.

One theory is that it is actually a result of the body starting to repair some of the damage that has built up whilst you are deficient and getting rid of some of the poisons.

Hope that it rights itself quickly

[Strawberry_Dream]

Hi Elliejo,

The same thing happened to me. I was covered in spots after my loading dose, although was repeatedly told by nurse/GP it was a coincidence as b12 injections wouldn't cause spots. This was wrong as there are loads of posts on here with people who've experienced the same kind of reaction.

It did take several months to get things under control, but now, 14 months later my skin looks better than ever.

I think it's something to do with your body getting homocysteine out of your system. Apparently it can't do this when you have low b12 so it builds up in your body. I was told the spots were a good sign as it shows your body is getting rid of these high levels. Bit I'm sure someone more knowledgable than me will come along soon and explain things better

Just try to stay positive and remember it will clear up eventually

[Elliejo in reply to Strawberry_Dream]

Hopefully will clear up soon. Finally feeling ready for the world and I'm full of acne! Hopefully will sort itself soon. Really good to have a place like this to get some answers, thank you!

[Bluedragon]

Hi, I had the acne and spots too - a very sore face! Like Strawberry- dream, my Dr said it was a coincidence and must be down to my age as in menopausal....

I haven't had a maintenance shot (that's another story!) so can't help with if they come back but my face is clear now. Wash regularly with water was advice given on one site.

[Vampnation]

Hi, I've recently been diagnosed with B12 deficiency and finished my loading injections two weeks ago. I too have been covered in spots. All around my hairline and on my scalp! I never have spots! They look like they're healing now so hopefully they'll soon disappear. I'm due a review in a few weeks at my hospital so I will ask my doctor. Great to see I'm not alone

[B-Girl]

Hi, I have never had acne or spots in my whole life, but after starting my own b12 injections - after day two I now have 3 acne spots appeared on my face. I am hoping it is just a temporary thing while my body adjusts, as I always have such clear skin.

I am sorry you have the same problem. When I had my injections through the NHS they didn't work for me in terms of helping my PA symptoms, and I had shingles on my head at that time, so I wouldn't have know if those injections gave me spots because the shingles virus was all over my face covered in blisters and scabs.

Anyway, I hope your skin improves and you feel better after your loading doses. Lots of love xXx

[linda75]

Hi Ellijo

I ended up covered in spots too. I was quite upset by it and told by the doctor it was just a coincidence. Mine never really went. But overall I felt so much better having the B12 I felt that it is was a small price to pay.

Hopefully your skin will improve soon.

[salsadancer]

Hi, yes I have had b12 injections for the past 2 and a half years and aways have a few spots after a week having the injection. 3 weeks ago after my last injection i have come up with loads of spots on one side of my face which is quite annoying because I have never had acne either when I was younger. I guess it must be one of the side effects of the b12. Mine have now been continue off and on since taking the b12.

[Secondchance]

Weirdly I now have the worst acne I have ever had in my life but I am taking B12 only 4 weekly for past 3 injections hydroxocobalamin. I had been on it much more frequently (alternate days initially for couple months) then gradually reducing frequency to now 4 weekly as that is most GP has agreed to give me. I feel less well and some of my symptoms are gradually coming back now though 😥 so I think I am going to have to sort out increased frequency. Spots are annoying but I agree small price to pay if B12 related. It just seems mine are now worse on less B12. I am due an injection now (feel really need it- have been waking with pins and needles in hands past week).

[diamck]

yes I have has an outbreak of spots on forehead round my mouth but I can put up with that as have more energy! Finished my loading injections a week ago.

[Emsisme]

Hi! New to B12 injections this year and I've had a horrific acne breakout on my face, chest and back. I have never suffered from acne before so this was quite a shock!

My skin has also become more prone to zits and I have to be so careful with my hair, being outdoors and having a strict cleansing regime.

I also experienced other skin infections like impetigo on my knee after waxing and dry, itchy eyes.

I did a little bit of research and as much as I think it might the immune system kicking back into gear, it's also the change in hormones which changes the bacteria on the surface of the skin.

When you increase your levels of B12, for anyone, it will cause a fluctuation in hormones. This makes the bacteria on your skin overreact. When we get our injections, we are causing a sudden increase in B12. Although we need this B12, it isn't provided in a levelled dose that our bodies would normally manage on its own.

It's almost impossible to dose hormones right. So it has to be prescribed on a trial & error basis.

So after every injection, we are altering our healthy skin bacteria, which "causes the bacteria to secrete an inflammatory compound that in turn triggers pimples."

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What helped me was to find a body wash that calms and avoids irritation. Something like Baby Body Wash or Sanex (pH neutral) have been good to me. Once in a while I'll apply a Camomile calming body wash to sooth the skin, but using something like this too often can cause inflammation all over again.

Wash day & night - nothing too aggressive and nothing too drying or greasy. Micellar water has worked well for me.

I also have a non-comedogenic moisturiser for the morning and apply an acne cream twice daily.

Eating well, fresh air and exercise can also help manage the breakouts. So far, it has been under control!

[Stroodsue]

Hello all.

I too had this after/during my loading doses!

awful. My gp told m e coincidence alas, I'd already done research and its the homocysteine leaving the body.. simply wash away, it's like a sweatiness on your face. Just use water and a flannel.

[zoeemma28]

I have just finished my last loading dose I don't feel any better and I have had a acne breakout on my forehead, I get the odd spot but nothing like this, is it normal? I also have PCOS can this be related?